Improving the Reading Ability of First Grade Students Through School and Home-Based Literacy Support
Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Fischler Graduate School of Education and Human Services
Advisor
Janice Rashid
Committee Member
Barbara Packer
Keywords
balanced literacy, book-lending programs, buddy reading, elementary schools, family reading nights, first-grade students, guided reading, instructional techniques, literacy, literacy development, literacy experiences, parental involvement, reading abilities, reading achievement, reading levels, reading programs, reading strategies, sight word kits, teacher education, teacher workshops, newsletters, read-aloud strategies, student achievement, student literacy, teacher professional development
Abstract
This applied dissertation was designed to improve the reading level of 1st-grade students. Several methods of evaluation were used to assess the problem. Assessment of reading skills, instructional techniques, and the lack of parental involvement with literacy provided substantial proof that the reading program should be enhanced.
The writer developed a program to incorporate different reading strategies for students to help increase reading scores. The writer facilitated guided reading workshops to help teachers provide a balanced literacy program. Newsletters, family reading nights, sight word kits, and a book-lending program were established to get the parents more involved. A buddy reading program was started with 5th-grade students to encourage students and to strengthen their read-aloud tactics. Teachers incorporated these techniques into their classrooms to help improve the reading level of students.
Students’ reading levels increased. First grade students were reading on grade level. Students gained knowledge about different strategies that would help to enhance their reading abilities. All of the activities were successful in getting the parents more involved and helping the teachers to provide a balanced literacy program. The parents, students, and teachers gained valuable information about what is needed to continue the process of literacy development in the home and at school.